Slaves and the British Government

From the Canadian Encyclopedia.

Slaves had safe passage on British ships as long as they served in the British military or be received as free settlers"to other colonies."

Slavery had been abolished in England the century before the War of 1812.

It was hoped the proclamation of freedom would bolster the British military strength and hurt the Southern states.  Of course, this move angered the Southern states.

Many slaves entered British military service on naval vessels.

Some 600 were organized into the Colonial Marines.

--Brock-Perry